Postdoctoral Research Associate in theoretical atomic and molecular physics

Working at Durham University

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The Role and Department

This post is based in the Durham University Chemistry Department but has close links to researchers in the Physics Department.

A World Top 100 department, the Department of Chemistry at Durham is one of the very best in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in research, teaching and employability of our students. We are an active and vibrant department, with a strong cohort of early career academics and future leaders. We hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our commitment to gender equality.

It routinely features high in national league tables and is 5th in the Complete University Guide 2026. Our research spans the range of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry. There is strong research in experimental chemical physics, including the groups of Prof. Jan Verlet, Dr Eckart Wrede and Dr David Carty, and in theoretical chemical physics, including the groups of Prof Mark Wilson, Prof David Tozer, Dr Mark Miller, Dr Steve Cox and Dr Susannah Bourne-Worster.

The Quantum Light and Matter group at Durham includes the research groups of Prof Simon Cornish, Prof Stuart Adams, Prof Ifan Hughes, Prof Matthew Jones, Dr Hannah Williams, Dr Philip Gregory, Dr Alex Guttridge, Prof Simon Gardiner and Prof Robert Potvliege. The group is part of the Durham-Newcastle Joint Quantum Centre (JQC) and has strong collaborations both within the UK and internationally.

The Role

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in theoretical atomic and molecular physics, to work in association with Prof Jeremy M Hutson, FRS, on the quantum mechanics involved in the formation and properties of ultracold molecules. The theoretical work is associated with EPSRC-funded research grants on:

· Leveraging Yb clock states to form lattices of ²Σ CsYb molecules

· Quantum many-body physics with ultracold polar molecules

· Controlling collisions between laser-cooled molecules and atoms

The grants are in collaboration with the experimental groups of Prof Simon Cornish (Durham) and Prof Michael Tarbutt (Imperial College London), together with many-body physicists in London and Birmingham. We also have active collaborations with leading experimental and theoretical groups around the world. The UK experimental groups have already succeeded in forming ultracold polar RbCs and CaF molecules in their absolute ground states at temperatures around 1 microKelvin, and explored their interactions and collisions. We are now developing the use of these and other ultracold molecules for quantum science.

Further details of the research group are available at https://jmhutson.webspace.durham.ac.uk and a description of recent research achievements and current projects is available in a link from there.

The successful applicants will work to understand the dynamics of ultracold collisions and the properties of ultracold molecules. They will develop quantum-mechanical scattering and bound-state methods and apply them to a variety of ultracold atomic and molecular systems.

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 24 Months. The duration is limited by the funding available.

The post-holder is employed to work on research led by Professor Jeremy M Hutson. While this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st January 2027, but there is some flexibility.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You'll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 ...